The Seal

KU's first chancellor, Rev. R.W. Oliver, chose the seal in 1866. It was redesigned by Elden Tefft, professor emeritus of art, for the university's centennial.

It pictures Moses kneeling in awe before a bush engulfed in flames. The translation of the Latin inscription on the seal is "I will see this great vision in which the bush does not burn."

The story of Moses' vision is from the third chapter of Exodus, in the Bible. Fire symbolizes knowledge in many stories and myths. Moses is thought to represent the humble attitude of the scholar who recognizes the unquenchable nature of the pursuit of truth and knowledge.

The crisp scrape of a shovel alerts your senses. Everything is different. Unexpected works of white powdery art are almost everywhere — some crafted by nature, others by whimsical students. Following a fresh snowfall, the University of Kansas’ campus takes on an almost magical majesty. And students flock out to explore the Hill under winter’s wonderful cloak, adding to their rich four-season experience as Jayhawks.